Bangladesh beat Malaysia to qualify for semi-finals

Murshida Khatun hit a career best 80 for Bangladesh Women

Women’s T20 Asia Cup

In what turned out to be a complete mismatch Bangladesh beat Malaysia by 114 runs to qualify for the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted their second highest total in T20Is with 191-2 riding on the batting of Murshida Khatun who scored a career best 80 off 59 balls (10 fours, 1 six) and Captain Nigar Sultana who hit an unbeaten 62 off 37 balls (5 fours, 2 sixes). The pair added 89 off 56 balls for the second wicket after an opening partnership of 65 off 46 balls between Dilara Aktar (33) and Player of the Match Murshida.

Malaysia in reply could muster only 77-8. 19-year old Elsa Hunter was the only Malaysian batter who looked equipped to handle Bangladesh’s bowling. Technically as sound as anyone in world cricket, Hunter hit four boundaries in her 20 off 23 balls. Bangladesh finished second in Group A to India who have also qualified for the semi-finals.

Scores: Bangladesh Women 191-2 (20) (Dilara Akter 33, Murshida Khatun 80, Nigar Sultana 62*)

Malaysia Women 77-8 (20) (Elsa Hunter 20, Nahida Akter 2/13)